Negotiations between European Union member states on the extension of sanctions against Russia have once again reached an impasse. Despite numerous attempts to reach an agreement by 15 September, a final decision has been postponed until 22 September. This is due to the need for additional time to discuss the proposals, a spokesperson for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU said.
The main obstacle to extending the sanctions for six months stems from Slovakia’s position, as it insists on the removal of two well-known Russian billionaires – Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman – from the sanctions lists. Usmanov had previously tried unsuccessfully to challenge the measures imposed against him in court, whilst Friedman managed to secure the lifting of some sanctions for the period 2022–2023.
Interestingly, France has recently backed Slovakia’s demand regarding Usmanov, which could complicate negotiations within the EU Council. Meanwhile, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has announced a major expansion of the sanctions list, which, if adopted, will increase the number of Russian individuals, companies and organisations subject to sanctions by a third.
The sanctions imposed previously have already cost Russia more than one trillion euros; however, the EU believes it is necessary to continue exerting pressure on Moscow until it ceases its aggression against Ukraine. Kallas emphasised that July had been the deadliest month for Ukraine’s civilian population since the start of the conflict, which calls for increased sanctions pressure.
Negotiations on the previous, 21st package of sanctions highlighted the difficulties in achieving consensus amongst the 27 member states. Several measures, including restrictions on the Russian fishing industry and targeted sanctions, were excluded due to objections from certain countries, such as Bulgaria, France and Italy.
The EU’s attention is now focused on the possibility of adopting a new package of sanctions, which may prove even more challenging due to the growing number of disagreements amongst member states. The European Union continues to seek ways to maintain pressure on Russia, hoping to achieve unity within its ranks.